Life Lessons:
Cynthia Nevels (VIDEO)

Are you happy at the moment?

I am content and happy in my personal life. I am ecstatic about my businesses and career. I am deeply concerned, however, about the food supply in America and the unhealthy foods Americans eat.

If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?

You are not as fat as you think you are, you’re a perfect size.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?

Eating clean really does work to help you heal yourself.

What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?

I really want my businesses to hit the revenue goals set last year. That’s not always as easy as it seems when you create a pro-forma a year in advance.

What’s your secret to happiness?

Cooking delicious vegetarian meals that carnivores try to bribe my children to get my secret recipes. I love to see people happy when they are eating my creations. This year, I found I have a gift for preparing delicious meals using whole foods. There’s not place I’d rather be than in the kitchen whether the commercial kitchen or at home.

What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?

I own three businesses and I work 18-hour days. One ritual that is important to me is to turn my phone and laptop off on Sundays. I will sit in my recliner and I will watch television all day and I will play with my five year old daughter. I find disconnecting on one day of the week really allows me to recharge. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t answer emails or calls on Saturday and Sunday. Now, I don’t. I have finally realized I need to wind down and watching television has always been a favorite past time for my brother and me. I believe it is what stimulates my creative side. Every Sunday, you will find me in my chair watching Food Network.

What’s your biggest regret?

Letting a love get away due to fear of rejection. Even the most accomplished women who appear to have it all just want to be loved, but it doesn’t always come so easily. I regret not learning how to seize love when it comes your way or second guessing your worth when it comes to relationships.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?

The most important lesson I have taught my children is to love themselves, research things for themselves, to wait to have sex until they are married and if they can’t wrap it up, to never ever quit or give up, to know that half the battle in life is mental, and to respect themselves and their mates at all times.

What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?

Eating sugar. Sugar is a weakness. I find that I don’t want it but when the stress picks up in my life from work – I’ll grab one of my vegan cupcakes and before you know it I’ve eaten two and I didn’t mean to do it. I would like to tunnel my energy into something else when I am stressed.

Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?

I am most proud of the fact that I get to create businesses that help my fellow woman. All that I do comes from thoughts and ideas that I have and I get to share that with many people. That feeling you get when you are completely fulfilled with your work and owning something that is yours is a high I cannot explain. I am proud to be an entrepreneur.

When were you happiest?

When my children were between the age of 9 months to 18 months I used to put my favorite music on, hold them in my arms and slow dance with them and sing to them. It would bring tears to my eyes because I love them so much. I was happiest dancing with them. I am sure they don’t remember it but I will never forget those times I had with each of them.

What ten words best describe you?

Cynthia Nevels, owner of Soulgood Vegetarian to Go, is author of new book Soulful Vegetarian Cooking and is blogger known as the Natural Food Enthusiast. She shares interviews and local news covering organic products, local farming, and colorful natural foods. Her new book takes a humorous and intimate look at the challenges of transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle in the Deep South. It offers tasty recipes and tips for those looking to eat healthier whole foods. Learn more at www.soulfulvegetariancooking.com.

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